Here is the correct solution:
First we must prove another theorem:
The reciprocals of two given unequal positive numbers are
positive numbers unequal in the opposite order from the
two given positive numbers.
[Maybe you've already proved this, but in case you haven't,
here is the proof of that]:
Proof:
Suppose we are given:
0 < x < y and we are to prove that 0 < <
Starting with
0 < x < y
divide all three sides by y:
< <
Simplify:
0 < < 1
Divide all three sides by x:
< ÷ <
0 < ÷ <
0 < · <
0 < · <
0 < <
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Now that we have proved that, we can turn to your
problem:
4 < a < 7 < b < 9
We are given
4 < a
Divide both sides by 9
(1) <
We are given
b < 9
By the theorem above:
<
Multiply both sides by "a":
(2) <
We are given
7 < b
By the theorem above:
<
Multiply both sides by "a":
(3) <
We are given
a < 7
Divide both sides by 7
(4) <
< 1
Putting (1), (2), (3) and (4) together:
< < < 1
So omit and we have
< < 1
as the only one of the inequalities given that
we can be sure of.
Edwin